PRIVATE TOUR: A 10 day tour that uncovers the highlights of Turkey. From the striking architecture of Istanbul and the natural wonders of Pamukkale and Cappadocia, to Trojan horses and whirling dervishes, Gallipoli’s poignant WW1 battlefields and the remarkable roman ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Old City sights
After breakfast enjoy a full day tour of the magnificent city of Istanbul. Explore Topkapi Palace, the exterior of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Roman Hippodrome; once home to chariot races, gladiatorial battles and public executions, before trying your hand at a spot of haggling in the Grand Bazaar. Tonight, there is an optional Turkish dinner with traditional Turkish entertainment.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast
Ankara Mausoleum
Istanbul - Ankara. Driving to Ankara we visit the mausoleum and museum of Kemal Ataturk, one of Turkey’s most revered leaders, famous for his progressive reform of Turkish society and his incredible strategic command during World War I, thwarting the Allied attempts at invading Turkey. You will then enjoy a picturesque journey through the Lakeland before arriving in Cappadocia.
Overnight: Cappadocia | Breakfast, Dinner
Cappadocia
Cappadocia. This morning opt for a hot air balloon ride over the incredible landscape of Cappadocia, before embarking upon a full day sightseeing tour of the region. Discover the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, visit the Kaymakli Underground City where early Christians took refuge from their persecutors and the Open Air Museum in Goreme - where you can view some of the best examples of Byzantine art in the rock cut churches with frescoes and paintings dating back to the 10th century. You will also visit the natural fortress of Uchisar before being given a demonstration of the local handicrafts of hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and potteries.
Overnight: Cappadocia | Breakfast, Dinner
Konya & Pammukale
Cappadocia – Pamukkale. Today we drive onward to Pamukkale via the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece of Sultanhan Caravanserai and Konya. In Konya visit the 13th century Mevlana Museum; the original lodge of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi Muslim group. It contains the tomb of Mevlana, a leading philosopher and mystic of Islam, which remains an important place of pilgrimage. Afterwards continue your journey onward to Pamukkale.
Overnight: Pamukkale | Breakfast, Dinner
Pamukkale & Kusadasi
Pamukkale - Kusadasi. After breakfast visit the incredible white calcium terraces of Pamukkale and ancient Hierapolis, with its Necropolis graveyard of over 1200 graves. The Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium, dating back to third century BC and the sacred pool are some of the highlights of Hierapolis. The shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient roman ruins that lie beneath.
This afternoon, en route to Kusadasi we visit the ruins of the great Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World), which is situated in a marshy basin between Selcuk and Ephesus.
Overnight: Kusadasi | Breakfast, Dinner
Ancient Ephesus
Kusadasi. This morning you will drive to the ancient and magnificent city of Ephesus, one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient city’s in the Mediterranean, with Roman theaters, fountains, buildings, churches and temples. Ephesus was originally built on the north slope of Mount Pion in 1000 BC but was later relocated to its current location in 4th century BC. This afternoon you can visit a Turkish leather manufacturing house where products are available for sale.
Overnight: Kusadasi | Breakfast, Dinner
Pergamum
Kusadasi - Canakkale. This morning, departing early we visit Bergama, the site of the ancient city of Pergamum which remained hidden from the modern world until 1871 when the German engineer Carl Humann rediscovered it when some locals showed him an interesting and strange mosaic that turned out to be the Altar of Zeus. Pergamum, one of Turkey’s oldest civilized settlements, inhabited since pre-historic times through to Ionic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. You will have the chance to visit the ancient acropolis situated on top of a steep hill and the aforementioned Altar of Zeus. We continue to Troy, the ancient city made famous by Homer’s Odyssey and the fable of Helen, Achilles and the Trojan horse. Afterwards drive on to Canakkale.
Overnight: Canakkale | Breakfast, Dinner
Gallipoli
Canakkale – Istanbul. After breakfast cross the Dardanelles to visit the evocative battlefields of Gallipoli. In World War 1 the Allies tried in vain to capture Turkey in order to better supply troops in Europe via access to the Black Sea and also open up better supply routes to Russia. It was on the beaches of the Gallipoli peninsula where the Allies landed and over 11,000 Anzacs lost their lives. Visit key sites such as Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, The Nek and other Turkish and Allied trenches. Later travel back to Istanbul.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast
Istanbul
Istanbul. Your tour arrangements end after breakfast. Onward transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour when booking 4 star. For the frequently used 5 star hotels, please refer to the 5 star Trip Notes. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Kent Hotel, Istanbul
The charming Kent Hotel is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.
Dilek Kaya, Cappadocia
Set in a restored old house, the Dilek Kaya offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful setting. Rooms are spacious with original stone walls and en suite facilities. The hotel also sports an outdoor pool and complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests to enjoy. There is also an impressive Spa and Health Club onsite which includes Turkidh Bath, Sauna, Steam Room and Fitness Room.
Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel, Pamukkale
Set in landscaped gardens, the Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel has an envious location in Pamukkale. Guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and offer a wonderful level of comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep. The on site thermal spa offers guests the chance to relax, revitalise and enjoy what this region is most famous for. Breakfast can be eaten outside on the terrace while dinner is often taken by the shimmering water of the pool.
Marina Hotel, Kusadasi
Marina hotel is a modern hotel with a sea view and balcony from nearly every spacious room. It has recently been renovated and features an indoor and outdoor pool and you may also use the facilities and beach of 5-Star Pine Bay.
Tusan Hotel, Canakkale
The family run Tusan Hotel offers modern facilities in a tranquil setting. Rooms are comfortable and well equipped and offer guests beautiful forest or sea views. The hotel benefits from a private beach and an indoor and outdoor restaurant. A refreshing pint of beer in the English Pub whilst challenging the bar staff to a game of pool is a great way to spend the evening. This accommodation sits within a beautiful pine forest looking across the Dardanelles with a private beach exclusively for guests.
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreAt a Glance
